NetChai Chinese
不
bù
Not

不 (bù) is the most common way to say "not" in Mandarin Chinese. It's used to negate verbs, adjectives, and some adverbs, indicating something is not true, not happening, or not a certain way.

When to use it

Neutral. It's widely used in all contexts. Another important negative is 没 (méi), used specifically for negating existence, possession, or completed actions.

How to pronounce it

Sounds like "boo." It's a falling tone. Be aware of its tone change rule.

Other ways to say it

  • 没méinot (for existence, possession, or completed actions)
  • 不是bú shìis not
  • 不行bù xíngno / not okay / won't do

Examples

我不是中国人。
wǒ bú shì zhōng guó rén 。
I am not Chinese.
她不喜欢咖啡。
tā bù xǐ huan kā fēi 。
She doesn't like coffee.
这个不难。
zhè ge bù nán 。
This is not difficult.
Pro tip: Tone change: When 不 (bù, 4th tone) is followed by another 4th tone character, 不 changes to a 2nd tone (bú). For example, 不去 (bù qù) is pronounced "bú qù."

Related phrases

和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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